Troops kill 20 Boko Haram/ISWAP members, arrest 40 suspected terrorists logistics suppliers

***As 743 surrender with families

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The Nigerian military said its troops killed 20 Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist and captured 7 suspected terrorists, apprehended 40 suspected terrorists logistics suppliers and 15 notorious criminal gang members.

Maj-Gen. Musa Danmadami, Director, Defence Media Operations, made this known on Thursday in Abuja, while giving update on two weeks Military operations in the country.

He said others arrested, were 4 drug peddlers, 3 kidnappers and 3 terrorists collaborators.

“Troops equally rescued 15 kidnapped civilians, while a total of 743 terrorists and members of their families, comprising 42 adult males, 251 adult females and 452 children surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatre of operation.

“All recovered items, arrested terrorists, suspected criminals and rescued civilians have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action, while the surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families were profiled and documented for further action.

“Also, troops recovered 27 sacks of grinded corn, 7 bags of corn grains, 5 bags of local rice, 1 bag of beans, 8 chemical sprayers, 12 sleeping mats, 11 bicycles, clothings, 37 sachets of seasonings, 10 mobile phones, 15 packs of spaghetti, 12 bars soaps, 3 vehicles, 8 rams, gallons of palm oil, the sum of Three Hundred and Thirty Three Thousand, Six Hundred and Ten Naira (N333,610.00) only and other sundry items.

“Also, on 3 June 2023, troops in conjunction with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency operatives raided suspected drug peddlers warehouse at Barge village in Shani Local Government Area of Borno State and arrested 4 drug peddlers. Troops also recovered 12 sacks of substances suspected to be cannabis. It was revealed that the substances were to be supplied to terrorists. In another development, on 6 June 2023, troops arrested a suspected arms dealer with 470 rounds of 7.62mm special and 4 AK47 magazines at Yoyo in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State. The suspect confessed to have been engaged in the business for the past 2 years.

“In addition, on 9 June 2023, following intel of notorious gang hibernating in some locations within Maiduguri town of Borno State. Troops conducted a covert sting operation and arrested 15 suspected criminals. Troops also recovered 1 pump action gun, 1 axe, 2 jack knives, 5 mobile phones amongst other items. Equally, on 7 June 2023, troops raided a suspected gun runner resident at Gassol town in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State. During the operation, troops arrested 1 suspect and recovered 39 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and the sum of Ten Million, Five Hundred and Sixty-Three Thousand Naira (N10,563,000.00) only.”